Effing Cold Midwest

I mentioned before that we spent the long, President's Day weekend in the effing cold Midwest while I was being inducted to the SIU Athletic Hall of Fame.  While the induction experience was pretty incredible, it was made better by getting to spend time with Ryan's family and see a few of my college teammates.

In the six plus years since I left the Midwest, I forgot just how bone-chilling cold it could get and how the wind can whip through the wide open space.

Ryan, Camden, my parents, my sister, and I all flew out to St. Louis on Thursday morning.  I felt like a completely different person than my typical high-strung-pre-flight-self because I knew that it wasn't just up to me to keep Cam entertained on the three and a half hour flight.  I had six extra hands (eight if you count sleep-deprived Ryan) and just knowing that was like a belated Christmas present.

We got settled in our seats, Ryan immediately fell asleep (he is on graveyard so got home from work at 6am and we left for the airport shortly after), and then we waited on the plane for an hour while some mechanical issues were fixed and a sick passenger was taken off the plane.  I could tell that Cam was getting really sleepy at this point, but I couldn't strap him into the Ergo until we took off and were in the air.  He ended up drifting off to sleep just sitting in my lap -- totally one of those singing angels moments.  This was our first air experience having to pay for his seat (since he is over the age of two) and I'm pretty sure he sat in said seat for maybe seven minutes.

He slept and I sat uncomfortably in my seat, patting his bottom, and sending death stares to the extremely obnoxious family sitting in the row in front of us.  Seriously, loudest kids ever.  Cam slept for about an hour and 15 minutes or so and after he woke up I happily passed him across the aisle to my family to entertain him.  He wanted to watch a show so I reached into my backpack to grab my laptop - only to find that his milk had leaked (I assume from the altitude change) and had taken residence all over my Mac.

Lovely.

It was hard to tell just how much milk had seeped out and how much actually got on the laptop, so I wiped it off, booted it up, and was happy to see that it turned on no problem.  I handed the spritely child and laptop to my sister so they could watch Bubble Guppies and it was only a few minutes later that Rachel hesitantly told me, "It shut off."  Mother effing eff.  Knowing there was nothing I could do while flying at 32,000 feet, I told myself to let it go and not worry about it.

We landed in St. Louis, got all our crap, walked outside to be greeted by 20 degree temps and wind, and made our way to Ryan's sister's house.

Camden was so excited to see his cousin Liam, who turned three in October, and I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual.  The two of them were really entertaining (not to mention heart melting) to watch  interact the whole weekend.

Friday morning was quiet before we headed south to Carbondale.  Cara captured the pajama-clad boys looking out the window to make sure their daddies weren't leaving their sight. 

Saturday morning in Carbondale we got to see my teammate, Krystal, and her husband and daughter, Bella, when they joined us for a chilly swim in the hotel pool.

I am kicking myself for not getting a picture with Krystal, but glad we at least got a picture with the kids.  They last saw each other at Becky's wedding.  

Speaking of my college roommate, Becky, we got to see her when she came to our hotel and then again when she and her husband ate lunch with us at Quatro's.  Clearly, I really suck at documenting reunions with my girlfriends because I didn't get a picture with Krystal or Becky.

On Sunday morning we headed back to Columbia.  My parents and Rachel were flying back to Seattle, and Cara was hosting an open house baby sprinkle for us (and baby sister) so Ryan's friends and family could stop by and visit.

I always make sure to get a picture of Camden with his great-grandparents.  He wasn't interested in sitting with his great-grandma Midge by himself (jerk) so Ryan and I got in on the picture too.

The boys were the primary entertainment during the open house, so come the early-evening, they were ready for some cozy, quiet time and settled in to be adorable and watch a movie together.

 Weathermen and women were calling for five to nine inches of snow to fall starting Sunday night and carrying on through Monday.  Considering we were scheduled to fly out Monday night, you can guess how elated I was to hear this forecast.  I hoped and hoped that it would miss us or at the very least, that the roads would be clear by the time we had to head to the airport.

It never ceases to amaze me just how entertaining certain things can be to kids.  These ladybug balloons, for example, kept the boys bopping busy for a good hour on Monday morning.

(Seriously.  Are these not the most adorable cousins you've ever seen?)

We got bundled up and ventured outside into the snow.  Liam was totally digging it, while our little Pacific Northwesterner was completely stoic for the first five minutes or so.  He was even less impressed after his cousin hit him in the face with a baby snowball.  Is it bad that I thought the snowball incident was hysterical?  I'm pretty sure Cara was horrified.  There were very few smiles from Cam during our time in the snow.

I wish I had asked someone to take a picture of me in my makeshift snow attire.  I packed light and didn't bring much in terms of warm clothes (I forgot socks for goodness sakes) so had on Ryan's romeo shoes/boots, yogi's under my pajama pants, Ryan's heavy dress jacket, and Cara's green (and floral) headband.  I looked absolutely ridiculous.  

After about forty five minutes of play time, we all came inside to warm up.  Ryan's mom's parents live two doors down from Cara, so they came over to visit.  Much like with Midge, Cam wasn't interested in sitting still for a picture with them all by himself with his great-grandma and great-grandpa, so we improvised.

I was compulsively checking our flight status the entire day to watch for any delays or cancellations.  Thankfully, the people of the Midwest know how to handle snowy conditions and roads much better than the people of the Pacific Northwest.  We made it to the airport in plenty of time.

Thankfully, the flight home was (on time) and really smooth.  Camden was awake (and sat in his own seat!) for the first half of the flight, and then slept on me in the Ergo for the second half.  My back was killing me, but it was a small price to pay to have a sleeping (and quiet!) child for those two hours.

I can't say enough about how thankful I am to have been able to go back to SIU, where everything truly began, and spend time with Ryan's family.  We don't get to see them nearly as often as we'd like - so any time we do get to visit is very special.

As good as it was to spend time with them - we couldn't have been happier to be welcomed home by nearly-60 degree temperatures.

We'll head back to the Midwest in August for Ryan's cousin's wedding.  It's hard to believe that we'll be traveling with another child in tow, and will get to meet a new nephew.  In August, instead of complaining about the effing cold, I'll be complaining about the effing heat and humidity.

Take Luck,

LP

California (Part Two)

Disneyland.

I told myself from our initial trip planning that I was going to try really, really hard to set my expectations really, really low for Disneyland.  I had no idea what he would think of the characters or the rides, and I figured I was asking for trouble thinking he would sleep in his stroller in that environment.

In their coordinating shirts, the boys were ready.

So, expectations low and armed with snacks - we set out for the Happiest Place on Earth (a lovely 30 minute drive from Newport Beach).  And it did not disappoint.  I'm pretty sure I said to Ryan, "I. Am. So. Excited!" about 100 times and that was before we were through the gate.

The Webb's and Ryan's parents went to Disney World earlier this year so they had a good idea of what Liam enjoyed and what was worth passing over.  We followed and crossed our fingers that Camden wouldn't lose his s-h-i-t.

We started out with Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and I can say without a doubt that Camden clung to me like never before (at least up until that point).  I tried to let him shoot the gun and kept my voice at a scary-high octave, to help let him know that he was safe and it was supposed to be fun.  I'm pretty sure Ryan had more fun helping Buzz Lightyear defeat the aliens and The Evil Emperor Zurg than Camden.

Next up: Alice in Wonderland's Mad Tea Party.  Our group split up into two tea cups.  One that would spin to their hearts' content (Webb, Ryan, Grandma, and Liam), and the other that would do zero spinning (Cara, Camden, and me).

It's a Small World's line was nice and short (can you guess why?) so we hopped on and I think it was both Liam and Camden's favorite ride.  By the end Camden was clapping and dancing along to the seriously obnoxious music.

Liam insisted that their strollers be side-by-side so they could hold hands.  I just can't.  There are no words.

We only got close to two characters (Captain Hook and Pluto) during the entire time we were there and Camden was more than fine with it.  Captain Hook was a giant a-hole and Pluto tried to give him a high five, allowing Camden to disprove my previous "clung like he has never clung before" comment.

We rode Storybook Land Canal Boats, Pirates of the Caribbean (where Camden promptly clung again like never before and passed out in the Ergo), Jungle Cruise, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Disneyland Railroad, and Dumbo (where Camden promptly pooped the second we buckled ourselves in).

I'm pretty sure he's still pooping in that picture.

Liam went ahead on the carousel while we changed the bomb and took a little break for a photo op.

Of course, we waved to Liam like maniacs every time he passed by.  After the ride, he got off and ran right over to Camden, put his arm around him, pointed to the carousel, and told him all about it.

I knew I couldn't go to Disneyland and not go on some adult rides, so Ryan and I snuck off to ride Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain (but not without a pit stop in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle).

It was soon time for the parade.  The timing was perfect because I think we were all running out of gas.  We grabbed some seats right outside of Starbucks (amen, hallelujah) and purchased some java to get us through the rest of the night.

I may or may not have been really, really excited for the parade.

Remember when I said that I set my expectations really, really low?  Well, it turns out that I didn't need to.  The boys did fabulously and our day at Disney was truly magical. 

Was Camden too young?  Yes, probably - but he still had a lot of fun and there was plenty that he could do and enjoy.

I already can't wait to go back when he's a little older and can enjoy it even more.  And not become catatonic in front of characters or on rides.

Stay tuned for a final beach shenanigans post.

Take Luck,

LP

California (Part One)

Yes, I'm alive.  I've just been busy knocking out a crazy September.  Hammy and I went to Michigan, I went to Thailand, and we all just returned from a getaway to Southern California with Ryan's family. You'd think I turned into a travel blogger or something. 

Moving on. 

We flew down to La La Land on Saturday morning to meet up with Ryan's parents (who had just gotten back to the states from a 24-day cruise to Australia) and his sister.  After meeting up and enduring a very irritating rental car experience at Hertz (think video chatting with two different customer service representatives who couldn't hear me, and a third who's computer crashed after going through the whole process), we made the hour drive to Newport Beach.

We arrived around dinner time, so didn't have the time (or the energy) to do much else other than stick our toes in the sand and venture out for something to eat.  Cara found us the most amazing accommodations at a rental beach house and they did not disappoint.  No kidding - you took a step out the front door, turned left, walked 10 yards, and boom.  Beach.

I was a little worried about how Camden would do with such a beach-intensive vacation.  My parents tried taking him to a sandy beach in our area earlier this summer and it sounds like it did not go well. He didn't like the feeling/texture of the sand and was generally miserable the entire time.

We took one step onto the (gorgeous) beach, he immediately stopped walking, and looked up at me as if to say, "You are crazy if you think I'm going any farther."  Liam and Grandma were already long gone, so I tried to be nice/calm and coax him out further, tried holding his hand and walking with him.  Nothing.  This child wasn't going anywhere.  Finally I gave up and started to slowly walk away and said, "OK, I'll go play with Liam in the sand.  You stay here."  His response?  "Meeum (Liam)!" and his previously cemented feet were on the move.

I did happen to get this gem of a photo after Liam took a fully-clothed dip in the Pacific.

Sunday was a much needed, lazy, beach day.

Liam was (again) so excited to be at the beach, so by the time Cautious Camden and I made it to where the family had set up camp, he was knee deep in sand and playing with beach toys.  Hammy was unsure at first, but he eventually joined in the fun with only minimal boo-hooing.  Liam would have dove headfirst into the ocean and stayed there all day.  Cam was much more content to sit on a sand-free beach towel and just point to the lifeguard trucks, birds, and water.

The theme of this trip with these two could have totally been "monkey see, monkey do," because whatever one did - the other followed.  There was lots of precious hand-holding and hugs that lasted too long for Camden's liking.

After getting a good dose of California sunshine, we headed for a pre-dinner walk on Newport Pier.  Both boys had no fear and were more concerned with running ahead and trying to fit their big heads in between the pier railings than sticking with the group.

Stay tuned for Disneyland and more beach shenanigans.

I know - the suspense is killer.

Take Luck,

LP

STL Recap

Seeing as our trip back to St. Louis was over a month ago - I guess it's about time I recap.

I already talked about how well Camden did on the flights, so I'll get right into the trip itself.

We stayed at Ryan's sister's house since their place is already baby proof and has oodles of baby stuff at the ready.  No joke, Liam has more toys than any child I've ever seen.  Cara was bringing out Camden's age-appropriate toys left and right.

I was so excited for us to see Cara, Webb & Liam.  When we got to their house and Cara opened the door, I'm pretty sure (OK, I'm positive) that our excitement freaked Camden out.  He immediately clung to me and started to cry.  Complete with a lip quiver.  There was actually a lot of the clinging and lip quivering during the trip.  I think the little man got a little "over stimulated" at times.

We got lots of quality time with our favorite people.  Liam was a little unsure of his little cousin.  Well, I should say that Liam was OK with Camden (after a short warm-up period), as long as he wasn't playing with his toys or stealing Grandma and/or Mommy's attention.

 One thing I love about going back to the Midwest is that I almost always get to meet up with some girlfriends from college that still live in the area.  This visit was a little more special because I had one little man in tow.  Camden got to meet his Aunt Becky, Alex and his new friend Patrick, and Schmitty.

 We took the trip to attend the wedding of Ryan's cousin Jeremy and (his now wife!), Ashley.

The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner was set for Thursday night.  Cara, the baby boys and I drove down to the banquet hall where the dinner was being held, only to find two things.

1) Camden had a giant poop explosion while wearing his nice outfit.

2) The hall didn't have electricity or air conditioning.

As bad as I felt for Jeremy and Ashley that their special dinner was experiencing a hiccup, I have to be honest and say I felt worse for Cara and myself.  Two small kiddos who are already out of their element, are now hot.  Super.

The guys (my dad included) caught a Cardinal game on Friday while the Texas Rangers were in town.

My FIL, Dad, Jeremy (Groom), Ry, & Father of the Bride

  The wedding was Saturday in a beautiful church in Columbia.  Because the wedding was taking place in the middle of Liam's nap time, Webb stayed home with him, and Cara, Camden, and I ventured out to attend.

Cam w/Great G-pa Bob

I am not joking when I say that four minutes before the ceremony was to start, Camden had yet another giant poop explosion while wearing his other nice outfit.  This child has impeccable timing.

Cara and I literally ran into the bathroom and changed him.  Thankfully, the pants were salvaged from the poop and he spent the rest of the ceremony in a onesie and his cute little slacks.  The poor baby was hot in the stuffy church, but I told him it would be inappropriate to be naked in church.

The ceremony ends and I started hearing whispers that it was "raining" outside.  I wasn't worried, but excited at the idea that a "little rain" might cool things off.

Ba. Ha. Ha. Ha.  Apparently I've been away from the Midwest for too long.

This was me after running to the car with Camden and getting him strapped into his car seat.

Totally and utterly drenched even after Cara ran out and brought the car as close as she could.  I'm pretty sure I gave the other guests a pretty good show as my dress was clinging to my ass.  You're welcome.

Thankfully, we had plenty of time to go back home so I could dry my dress (and myself), and get Camden in some reception-worthy clothes.

This trip was special in a lot of ways, but the most special part was that it was the first time a majority of Ryan's family members were meeting Camden - including his three great grandparents!!

So happy with Great Grandma Midge

Camden w/Great G-ma Carol, Great Grandma Midge, and Great G-pa Bob

The awesomeness doesn't stop there.  I realized that because my parents also came to the wedding, all of Camden's grandparents were in the same place.  Who knows if this will ever happen again.

Grandma Pattie, Grandma Chris, Great G-ma Carol, and Great Grandma Midge

Grandpa Danny, Great G-pa Bob, and Grandpa Danny

I mentioned before that it took Liam some time to warm up to his baby cousin, and understandably so!  The last day of our stay, Cara and I were down on the floor with the boys when Liam looked like he was trying to tell us that he wanted to hold Camden.  I think my heart literally melted from the cuteness.

He held him for about six seconds and by then had had enough.

This trip was nuts.  It was our first time traveling with a small child, our first time trying to keep our routine/schedule away from home and in a different time zone, and we were busy trying to see a lot of people.  Looking back, I'm flooded with memories of the craziness.  But really, it was the best kind of crazy.

Can't wait to go back in November for Becky's wedding.

Take Luck,

LP